Boy Killed in Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Crash

Natanael Garcia, 11, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle at a local intersection. According to a CBS News report, police are looking for a female driver who they say struck the boy at the intersection of 76th and Hoover streets in South Los Angeles and then fled the scene the afternoon of July 15, 2010.

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Witnesses apparently saw the driver, described only as a Latino woman in an SUV, get out of the car, check on the boy and then drive away. One witness attempted to follow the woman, but lost her. Police are optimistic that they will apprehend the suspect because they have a good description, surveillance tape of the car and a partial license plate. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the South Traffic Division Detectives at 323-290-6063.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Natanael Garcia for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 104 fatalities and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law and Liability Issues

I trust this hit-and-run driver will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of victims' families to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

What are some ways by which hit-and-run collisions could be diminished or eradicated? We would like to hear your ideas and opinions.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.